BMW M 1000 R: a new high-performance roadster [PHOTO]

La BMW M 1000 R, In short MR, is the definition of a new two-wheeled M project, the second after the faired one M 1000RR, which has further evolved. In the same year in which we commemorate the 50th birthday of BMW M GmbH, BMW Motorrad underlines with this new roadster the high dynamism and powerful formula branded M. Another exclusive result in the path undertaken at the end of 2018, with the extension of the M brand from four to two wheels and with the proposal of special M and M Performance Parts equipment.

Bold design

The M Design language of the new BMW M 1000 R immediately underlines the sporting nature of the motorbike. A symbiosis of style and technology that enhances its dynamic qualities. The proportions are compact with surfaces with attention to detail and layered. You get a feeling of extreme efficiency when looking at the bike from all sides, starting from the front area equipped with new ones M winglet, right down to the minimalist, upward-stretching tail.
The design of the front luminous motif is also distinctive, making this example immediately recognisable. Matching shades such as the are equally connotative light white non-metallic / M Motorsport of the basic model, a livery that already expresses an accentuated determination. A variant with a low weight and lively for enthusiasts looking for strong sensations. Then there's the coloring Blackstorm metallic / M Motorsport, included in the M Competition package, which highlights the dynamic qualities and extreme nature of the model. The M Competition package offers a striking combination of refined aesthetics and sophisticated components for fans of racing technology. Together with the Blackstorm metallic / M Motorsport color combination, the M Competition package also includes an M footpeg system for the rider, M package for the passenger, milled and fully adjustable M footpeg system, windshield, front wheel cover, tank covers, airbox cover with tapes, M components Carbon like the rear wheel cover and the chain guard, the sprocket cover, therefore M Carbon rims.

Technical and technological aspects

The aerodynamic part is a peculiar and functional factor. Together with the technological solutions that concern the chassis and the propulsion part, aerodynamics appears fundamental in the development specifications of the model. The example features winglets at the height of the front sides, aiming for high performance both in stability and speed on the track, given an increase in the load on the front wheel of 11 kg at 220 km/h, linked to the aerodynamic downforce obtained. The slightly higher aerodynamic resistance caused by the small additional frontal area and the shape of the M winglets has been compensated with a deflector designed in front of the instrument panel, in symbiosis with the aforementioned M Competition package.
The instrument screen TFT from 6,5 inches proposes an M start-up animation. New is the extended display of the speed range in red and, as optional equipment, the material for using the M GPS Laptrigger and the M GPS Datalogger (Original BMW Motorrad Accessories) can be offered via an activation code via the OBD interface of the instrument panel.

Chassis and suspension are based on the characteristics of the S 1000 R and the aluminum frame appears as the central element. At the front there is an upside down fork with a diameter of 45 mm in “All black” design. Closed cartridge inserts with separate piston-cylinder hydraulic systems are highlighted. Another peculiarity is the further opportunity to adjust the fork spring preload in combination with the Dynamic Damping Control (DDC).
The fork is equipped with an upper plate with a milled handlebar stem, there is also a black aluminum tubular handlebar with a more extended design than what has already been seen with the S 1000 R, on which the writing stands out laser engraved “BMW M 1000 R”. Among the new features there are also forged aluminum handlebar mirrors, an adjustable steering damper and work has also been done on the fork legs, developed to accommodate the new M brake calipers. This is the second model to be equipped with this type of braking system. A solution developed thanks to the direct use of the experience accumulated by the German manufacturer with the racing brakes of competition motorbikes in the Superbike World Championship. The M brake calipers feature a blue anodized coating, as well as the M logo.
In addition to the two braking discs from 320 mm and the black anodized aluminum disc holders, the system includes a new radial pump for the front brake which represents the current pinnacle of brake development in the field of systems approved for road circulation. Also interesting is the new Brake Slide Assist function, an interesting solution in particular for those who love driving on the track. It allows the motorcyclist to brake by brushing when entering a curve with a constant slide, according to the indications.
The motorcycle is equipped as standard with lightweight forged aluminum rims, however as part of the M Competition package the exclusive M Carbon rims are also offered, equipped with newly designed rim tapes.

Motor

The heart of the new BMW M 1000 R It's a thruster modified and liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder, which is based on the S 1000 RR engine. The high traction of the rear wheel in all gears is supported by a secondary gear ratio, more contained thanks to the use of a 47-tooth sprocket compared to the 45 teeth of the S 1000 R. The gear ratios of the fourth, fifth and sixth gear are shorter, depending on progression and traction.
The power vertex is of 210 horses (154 kW) at 13.750 rpm, an increase of 45 horsepower (33 kW) compared to the S 1000 R example. The torque reaches altitude 113 Nm at 11.000 rpm, while on the S 1000 R a value of 114 Nm is reached at 9.250 rpm. Compared to the S 1000 R, the maximum speed of the new M roadster amounts to 14.600 rpm. Another factor to consider to capture the sporty character of the model is the weight, a DIN empty value of 199 kg fully loaded, as indicated.

Photo: BMW Motorrad – BMW Group